Just before the national team gathered this summer for the World Cup, Amanda Ilestedt was presented by the English big club Arsenal. Then she helped salvage a Swedish bronze medal. Now she is back in Sweden to play CL qualifiers against Linköping.
– It feels very good, it's great to be on Swedish soil and have the opportunity to make my debut in Sweden, she says.
"I'll see if I start as a centre-back"
It has been a quick move for the 30-year-old – after the World Cup bronze, the players were given a short leave but now she is back and ready for her debut.
"We knew early on that if we went far in the World Cup, there would be a shorter rest given that the CL qualifiers start so quickly. But I was prepared and it feels good so far.
Ilestedt had a goal celebration in the World Cup and accounted for four goals while being named the tournament's third best player. The question is, is she now holding the goal hour?
"Haha, we'll see what happens, I'm happy if we win. We don't know the team yet but we'll see if I start as a centre-back or striker but I'm here to defend."
Arsenal have World Cup bronze heroes Amanda Ilestedt, Lina Hurtig and Stina Blackstenius, while recently signing Swedish acquaintance Renée Slegers as assistant coach.
The match kicks off today at 17.00.